Methods and systems for a wireless monitoring system for a tank

ABSTRACT

The innovation described herein generally pertains to a system and method related a wireless remote monitoring system for a tank, wherein the wireless monitoring system is incorporated into or coupled to a lid for the tank. The wireless remote monitoring system for the tank can include a cover system that includes a lid mountable on a corresponding tank, the lid comprising a space sized and shaped for receiving the wireless remote monitoring system therein, wherein the wireless remote monitoring system is operatively coupled to a sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/852,192 filed on May 23, 2019 entitled “SMART COVER FOR A TANK”,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the subject innovation relates to covers for tanks, and moreparticularly to a cover system for a tank comprising a wireless remotemonitoring system.

BACKGROUND

Tanks come in all sizes and shapes, and are made from a variety ofmaterials to store a variety of contents. Conventionally, methods andsystems utilize a manual check of volume level to determine if morecontents need to be added to the tank. This can be cumbersome due totraveling to each location to manually check when some tanks may notneed filled.

There is a need for a method or system to overcome the inefficienciesrelated to manual servicing of tanks.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a further embodiment of the subject innovation, acover system is provided. The cover system for the tank can include atleast the following: a lid having a shape that includes a top face, abottom face opposite the top face, and a peripheral side flangeextending on a periphery of the lid on the bottom face thereof, the lidincludes a latch on a location on the peripheral side flange and a lidhinge member opposite to the location of the latch; the lid is amountable on a periphery of a top collar of a tank, wherein the lidattaches to the top collar of the tank with the lid hinge memberattaching to a corresponding hinge on the top collar; the lid hingemember mating with the hinge enables an open state for the lid on thetank and a closed state for the tank, wherein the closed state protectsat least one of a valve, a gauge, or a pressure relief valve positionedon a top end of the tank within the top collar; a wireless remotemonitoring system contained within a housing, the housing releasablycoupled to the bottom face of the lid, the wireless remote monitoringsystem further includes: a sensor coupled to the tank or within thetank, the sensor detects at least one of a volume of contents within thetank, a geographic location of the tank, a duration of time for the lidin the open state, and a flow in and out of the tank; a transmitter thatwirelessly communicates the volume of contents within the tank, thegeographic location of the tank, the duration of time for the lid in theopen state, and the flow in and out of the tank; a receiver; a batterythat powers at least one of the sensor, the receiver, or thetransmitter; and the housing is positioned above a plane defined by theperiphery of the top collar of the tank to facilitate wirelesslycommunicating to and from the cover system.

In accordance with another embodiment, the cover system can include atleast one of the following: a tank having a top end, a bottom endopposite the top, a sidewall in between the top end and the bottom end,the tank configured to hold a volume under a pressure; a sensor coupledto the tank, the sensor tracks a temperature of the tank, an amount offorce taken by the tank, a geographic location of the tank, and a volumeof the tank; a wireless remote monitoring system that wirelesslyreceives data from the sensor, the sensor communicates a first datapackage that includes the temperature, the amount of force, thegeographic location of the tank, and the volume of the tank; thewireless remote monitoring system creates a second data package thatincludes a time stamp of when the first data package was communicated,an identification of the wireless remote monitoring system, and thefirst data package; and a monitor component that is configured to:receive of the second data package; evaluate of the time stamp from thewireless remote monitoring system; monitor the temperature, the amountof force, the geographic location of the tank, and the volume of thetank; communicate data to the sensor via the wireless remote monitoringsystem; and communicate a notification if at least one of thetemperature, the amount of force, and the volume of the tank exceeds apredefined threshold.

According to a broad aspect, there is disclosed a cover system for atank, comprising a lid mountable on a corresponding tank, the lidcomprising a space sized and shaped for receiving a wireless remotemonitoring system therein, wherein the wireless remote monitoring systemis operatively coupled to a sensor for sensing a level of a contentcontained in the corresponding tank and for generating a correspondingsensor level signal representative of the level of the content containedin the corresponding tank, further wherein the wireless remotemonitoring system receives the sensor level signal from the sensor andgenerates a corresponding signal wirelessly transmitted to a thirdparty.

In accordance with an embodiment, the content is a fluid. In accordancewith an embodiment, the fluid is fuel. In accordance with an embodiment,the cover system comprises the wireless remote monitoring systemtherein. In accordance with another embodiment, the wireless remotemonitoring system comprises a communication module port adapted forreceiving a communication module card therein and the lid comprises anopening for accessing the communication module port. In accordance withan embodiment, the lid comprises a battery operatively coupled to thewireless remote monitoring system. In accordance with anotherembodiment, the lid further comprises on a top face thereof a solarpanel operatively coupled to any one of the battery and the wirelessremote monitoring system. In accordance with an embodiment, the lid hasan external convex shape and an internal concave shape.

In accordance with an embodiment, the cover system further comprises anattaching means for attaching the lid to the tank. In accordance with anembodiment, the attaching means comprises a pivoting means for pivotingthe lid relative to the tank. In accordance with an embodiment, thepivoting means comprises a hinge. In accordance with an embodiment, thelid further comprises a locking means for locking the lid to the tank.In accordance with an embodiment, the locking means comprises a biasingmeans for biasing the locking means towards the tank. In accordance withan embodiment, the cover system further comprises a cable foroperatively coupling the sensor to the wireless remote monitoringsystem. In accordance with an embodiment, the cover system is made ofany one of plastic, metal, and fiberglass. In accordance with anembodiment, the tank is a fuel tank.

These and other objects of this innovation will be evident when viewedin light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The innovation may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail inthe specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom, left-side, perspective view of a cover system for atank, the cover system comprising a lid sized and shaped for receiving awireless remote monitoring system therein and a sensor operativelycoupled to the wireless remote monitoring system in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a left-side cross-sectional view of the cover systemillustrated in FIG. 1 taken along plane II-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom, left-side, perspective view of a cover system for atank, the cover system comprising a lid having a recess space sized andshaped for receiving a wireless remote monitoring system therein and asensor operatively coupled to the wireless remote monitoring system inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a left-side cross-sectional view of the cover systemillustrated in FIG. 3 taken along plane IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a right-side, elevation view of the cover system shown in FIG.1 and mounted on a corresponding tank, the cover system being in a closestate relative to the corresponding tank.

FIG. 6 is a right-side, elevation view of the cover system shown in FIG.5 that is mounted on a corresponding tank, the cover system being in anopen state.

FIG. 7 is a right-side, elevation view of a cover system for a tankmounted on a corresponding tank, the cover system comprising a lidattaching means having two lid portions for attaching the cover systemon the corresponding tank, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom, left-side, perspective view of a cover system for atank and a corresponding tank, the cover system being mounted on thecorresponding tank, the cover system comprising a lid sized and shapedfor receiving a wireless remote monitoring system therein, a sensor, acable operatively connecting the wireless remote monitoring system andthe sensor, and a solar panel, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a tank utilizing a cover system inaccordance with the subject innovation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover system.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the cover system.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the cover system.

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the cover system, with the right sideview being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the cover system.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the cover system having an embodiment forthe wireless remote monitoring system coupled to the lid.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the cover system having an embodiment forthe wireless remote monitoring system coupled to the lid.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cover system.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bottom face of a lid for a coversystem, wherein the bottom face includes a bracket to attach a wirelessremote monitoring system.

FIG. 19 illustrates a module that houses the wireless remote monitoringsystem.

FIG. 20 illustrates a module that houses the wireless remote monitoringsystem, wherein the module is attached to the lid.

FIG. 21 illustrates a tank with the cover system attached thereto in aclosed state.

FIG. 22 illustrates a tank with the cover system attached thereto in anopen state.

FIG. 23 illustrates a tank in accordance with the subject innovation.

FIG. 24 illustrates embodiments of the cover system utilizing variousconfigurations for a top face of the lid.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cover system utilizing a wireless remotemonitoring system on a top face of the lid.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cover system utilizing a wireless remotemonitoring system on a bottom face of the lid.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram a system that aggregates information relatedto a tank.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a sensor.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of data communication at one or morelocations in accordance with the subject innovation.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of an embodiment of data communicationsbetween one or more sensors with a wireless remote monitoring system toa server at one or more locations.

FIG. 31 is block diagram of a system that aggregates information relatedto a tank based on data collected from a sensor.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting tankapplication according to one or more aspects.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram representing data aggregation in accordancewith the subject innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the innovation relate to methods and systems that relateto a cover system that releasably couples to a container or tank,wherein the cover system can protect one or more features thereof fromnatural elements as well as physical impact or wear and tear. The coversystem can further include one or more components to detect, monitor,and one or more parameters related to at least one of the tank orcontainer, the environment or location of the tank or container, thecontents of the tank or container, among others.

Monitoring systems for containers are useful for monitoring acharacteristic of a content contained in the container or tank and forreporting the corresponding information collected to a third partywithout necessarily requiring a physical presence at the geographiclocation of the container or tank.

In particular, fluid-monitoring systems used for monitoring a level of afluid in a tank are useful to ensure that a specific minimum level offluid is maintained in the tank. The monitoring will help ensure thatthe tank is refilled only when needed, therefore ensuring that the tanknever gets completely depleted as well as maximizes efficient use ofemployees, equipment, and resources. This will also prevent anunnecessary routine refilling or inspection of the tank by a fluidprovider.

Fluid-monitoring systems can also be exposed to harsh environmentalconditions, e.g. snow, rain, UV-exposition, etc., but also subject tophysical damages by bystanders or by the operation of equipment invicinity of the tanks, e.g. a lawnmower or any other equipmentsusceptible to accidently damage fluid-monitoring systems.

The term “component” as used herein can be defined as a portion ofhardware, a portion of software, or a combination thereof. A portion ofhardware can include at least a processor and a portion of memory,wherein the memory includes an instruction to execute. The term“container” or “tank” as used herein can be defined as any cylinder,housing, canister, and the like of any suitable material that can houseor contain at least one of a liquid, gas, solid, such as, but notlimited to, a propane, a compressed natural gas, a gasoline, a hydrogen,a liquid nitrogen, an alternative fuel, a renewable fuel source, anonrenewable fuel source, a liquid fuel source, or a gas fuel source.

While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systemsand methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to beexemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of theseembodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The embodimentsand discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of thesesystems and methodologies by those of skill in the art.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However,the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a givenembodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments ofthe innovation include such elements. The examples and figures areillustrative only and not meant to limit the innovation, which ismeasured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

With all this in mind, the subject disclosure is directed to a coversystem 100 for a tank. The cover system 100 comprises a lid 102. The lid102 is sized and shaped for receiving a wireless remote monitoringsystem 104. In an embodiment, the wireless remote monitoring system 104can be operatively coupled to a sensor 800 that is configured to detectone or more parameters related to the tank 300, the contents of the tank300, or the environment of the tank 300 such as, but not limited to alevel or quantity of contents in a container or tank on which the lid102 releasably couples or is affixed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the lid 102 having a general circular shape andcomprising a top face 106, a bottom face 108, and a peripheral sideflange 110 extending on a periphery 112 of the lid 102, on the bottomface 108 thereof. Together with a peripheral side flange 110, the bottomface 108 of the lid 102 defines a space 114. It will be appreciated thatthe space 114 of the lid 102 is directed towards a corresponding tank300 when the cover system 100 is mounted thereon, and the space 114 issized and shaped for receiving the wireless remote monitoring system 104therein.

It is to be appreciated that the lid 102 can be a geometric shape thatcan be configured to couple to a container or tank, wherein thegeometric shape can be, but not limited to, circular, oval, round,square, pentagon, rectangle, hexagon, polygon, triangle, among others.The lid 102 can be further fabricated from a material such as, but notlimited to, metal, plastic, aluminum, a polymer, a composite material(e.g., a combination of metal with plastic, etc.), chrome, nickel, amongothers. It is to be appreciated that fabricating the lid 102 can beperformed by any suitable technique having a shape and a material andsuch can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departingfrom the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subjectinnovation. For example, the forming of lid 102 can be from injectionmolding having a shape made from plastic. In still another example, thelid 102 can be made from metal with a shape.

It will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the top face 106 of thelid 102 can have a convex shape 116 while the bottom face 108 can have aconcave shape 118 that may or not include a substantially flat portionso that the space 114 may be defined by the peripheral side flange 110and the concave shape 118 of the bottom face 108 of the lid 102. It isto be appreciated that the top face 106 and the bottom face 108 need notbe convex shape 116 or concave shape 118 respectively and such top face106 and bottom face 108 can have various geometric shapes to define thespace 114 so long as such space 114 can house or contain one or morecomponents related to at least the wireless remote monitoring system104.

It will be appreciated that the wireless remote monitoring system 104may be received anywhere within the space 114 of the lid 102 usingvarious methods, known to the skilled addressee, such as affixing,fastening, or securing the wireless remote monitoring system 104 to thebottom face 108 of the lid 102 by any means known in the art such as forinstance screws, glue, female part that mates with male part, snapfittings, adhesive, nut and bolts, magnetic system with a magnet ormetal portion on a location on the lid 102 and a magnet or metal portionon the wireless remote monitoring system 104, etc. For example, a magnetcan be located on or in a portion of the lid 102 that allows removableconnectivity to a portion of the wireless remote monitoring system 104,wherein such connectivity is between the magnet and an additional magnetin or on the wireless remote monitoring system 104 or a material thatmagnetizes with the magnet. In another example, a magnet can be locatedon or in a portion of the wireless remote monitoring system 104 thatallows removable connectivity to a portion of the lid 102, wherein suchconnectivity is between the magnet and an additional magnet in or on thelid 102 or a material that magnetizes with the magnet.

It is to be appreciated that the wireless remote monitoring system 104can be incorporated into the lid 102 or a portion of the lid 102,affixed to the lid 102 at a location, a stand-alone component(s)attachable to the lid 102, or any a combination thereof. In addition,the wireless remote monitoring system 104 can be on a location of thelid 102 such as, but not limited to, on an outside of the peripheralside flange 110, on an inside of the peripheral side flange 110, on thebottom face 108, on the top face 106, or a combination thereof. Forexample, one or more components of the wireless remote monitoring system104 can be incorporated into the lid 102 or affixed to the lid 102 andsuch one or more components need not be in the same location of the lid102 or incorporated together.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top face 106 and thebottom face 108 of the lid 102 defines together a thickness 120comprising a recess space 122 sized and shaped for receiving thewireless remote monitoring system 104 therein. In such embodiment, thewireless remote monitoring system 104 may be affixed, fastened, orsecured into the recess space 122 according to various embodiments suchas by interference fit of the wireless remote monitoring system 104 withthe lid 102, by the wireless remote monitoring system 104 fittinglycooperating with the lid 102, or by any other means known to the skilledaddressee, such as for instance using screws, glue, female part thatmates with male part, snap fittings, adhesive, nut and bolts, magneticsystem with a magnet or metal portion on a location on the lid 102 and amagnet or metal portion on the wireless remote monitoring system 104,etc.

It will be appreciated that in one embodiment wherein the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 is received into the recess space 122, thewireless remote monitoring system 104 may be partially covered ortotally covered by the bottom face 108 of the lid 102, such that thewireless remote monitoring system 104 is embedded or integrated withinthe lid 102 and form a one-piece construction with the lid 102. It willbe appreciated that in another embodiment, the bottom face 108 of thelid 102 may have at least one optional opening, such as openings 124 aand 124 b, for providing an access to one or more components of thewireless remote monitoring system 104. In another embodiment, thewireless remote monitoring system 104 is received into the recess space122 with no access provided to it such as self-contained.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the embedding or integrationof the wireless remote monitoring system 104 within the lid 102 of thecover system 100 can provide protection against physical damages e.g.the lid 102, when made of a material such as, but not limited to, anelastically resilient material such as a polymers, may protect thewireless remote monitoring system 104 by absorbing the energy of directforce impacts applied to the smart cover 100 and against environmentalconditions e.g. by substantially isolating the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 from humidity. In another example, the coversystem 100 can protect from moisture, rain, high winds, hail, snow,sleet, falling debris (e.g., tree branches, leaves, etc.), animal damage(e.g., nest building, chewing or eating of components, wires, orconnectors, etc.), among others.

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be appreciated that the coversystem 100 may be mountable on a tank 300 or any other container, andmay also be configurable thereto between a close state illustrated inFIG. 5 (also shown at FIG. 21) and an open state illustrated in FIG. 6(also shown in FIG. 22) relative to the tank 300. It is to beappreciated that the lid 102 can be moveable between the open state andthe closed state with an amount of degrees measured from the periphery112 of the lid 102 such that the range of motion can be from zero (0)degrees (relative to the plane of a top of a peripheral sidewall 302) tomore than 210 degrees, where the 210 degrees is limited to the lid 102coming into contact with the tank 300. It is to be further appreciatedthat the number of degrees from the open state to the closed state canbe limited or selected by sound engineering and such range of degrees isintended to be within the scope of this subject innovation.

More particularly, the cover system 100 is mountable on a peripheralsidewall 302 extending upwardly from a top portion 304 of the tank 300so that the peripheral side flange 110 of the lid 102 abuts to oroverlaps with the peripheral sidewall 302 of the tank 300. While mountedon the tank 300 in the close state, the lid 102 can define together withthe peripheral sidewall 302 and the top portion 304 of the tank 300 aclose space 306 adapted for housing and protecting one or morecomponents.

It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that in an embodimentthe tank 300 contains a solid material, a fluid such as a fuel, or acombination of solid and fluid materials therein.

The skilled addressee will further appreciate that the cover system 100,along with the close space 306 defined by the lid 102 in a closed state,the peripheral sidewall 302 and the top portion 304 of the tank 300, mayprovide protection for not only the wireless remote monitoring system104 and sensitive components thereof (e.g. the sensor 800, battery,cable, etc.), but also the sensitive equipment components or features ofthe tank 300 itself (e.g. the valve(s) and the gauge(s)). As such, thecover system 100 may provide protection, for example, againstenvironmental conditions (e.g. rain, snow, ice, prolonged UV exposition,etc.) and/or against physical damages caused by bystanders or byequipment operation in vicinity of the tank 300. When equipped with awireless transmitter, the cover system 100 may also improve the wirelesstransmission performance of the wireless remote monitoring system 104 bylocating the wireless remote monitoring system 104 at the highest pointabove ground on the tank 300 and by protecting an antenna from snowand/or ice accumulation, which, if present, may reduce the performanceof the wireless transmission.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be appreciated that the coversystem 100 may further comprise a lid attaching means 500 configured forattaching the lid 102 to the tank 300. The lid 102 can be releasablycoupled to a portion of the tank 300 or permanently attached to aportion of the tank 300. In one embodiment, the lid attaching means 500includes a lid portion 502, located on the periphery 112 of the lid 102that is attachable to a corresponding tank portion 504, located on theperipheral sidewall 302 of the tank 300, of a tank attaching means 506on the tank 300. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the lidportion 502 may be removably or permanently attachable to thecorresponding tank portion 504 so that the smart cover 100 may or maynot be removably attachable to the tank 300.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the tank 300 does not have a tankattaching means 506, including the tank portion 504 on the tank 300. Insuch case, the lid attaching means 500 of the smart cover 100 furtherincludes, in addition to the lid portion 502, a second lid portion 600that is removably or permanently attachable to the peripheral sidewall302 of the tank 300 by screw(s), rivet(s), welding, clipping mechanism,and/or any other means known to the skilled addressee. As describedbefore for the lid portion 502 and the tank portion 504, the lid portion502 may also be removably or permanently attachable to the second lidportion 600 so as the cover system 100 may or may not be removablyattachable to the tank 300.

Any one of the lid portion 502, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the secondlid portion 600, shown in FIG. 7, of the lid attaching means 500 as wellas the tank portion 504, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, of the tank attachingmeans 506, further comprise pivoting means 700 configured for enabling apivoting of the smart cover 100 between the close state illustrated inFIG. 5 and the open state illustrated in FIG. 6 relative to the tank300. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the pivoting means 700 comprises a hinge702 having a lid hinge member 704 a corresponding to the lid portion 502and a tank hinge member 704 b corresponding to the tank portion 504 orthe second lid portion 600. The lid hinge member 704 a comprises in oneembodiment four perforated tabs 706 a, 706 b, 706 c, and 706 d, eachprojecting downwardly from the peripheral side flange 110 on the outsideof the periphery 112 of the lid 102. It is to be appreciated that thenumber of tabs can be chosen with sound engineering without departingfrom the scope of the subject innovation and such number of tabs is tobe included within this subject innovation. The tank hinge member 704 balso comprises four perforated tabs 708 a, 708 b, 708 c, and 708 d, eachprojecting upwardly from the outside of the peripheral sidewall 302 ofthe tank 300. To pivotally attach the lid hinge member 704 a to the tankhinge member 704 b, the perforated tabs 706 a, 706 b, 706 c, and 706 dand the perforated tabs 708 a, 708 b, 708 c, and 708 d, respectively,each receive in corresponding perforations a transversal pin. Theskilled addressee will appreciate that various alternative embodimentsmay be possible for the pivoting means 700.

Still referring to FIG. 8, it will be appreciated that the cover system100 may further comprise an optional locking means 710 adapted forlocking the cover system 100 to the tank 300 while the lid 102 is in theclose state. The optional locking means 710 comprises a lid portion 718located on the lid 102 and a tank portion 720 located on the tank 300.More precisely, the lid portion 718 is located on the peripheral sideflange 110 on the outside of the periphery 112 of the lid 102 and may bediametrically opposed to the hinge 702 of the cover system 100. The lidportion 718 of the locking means 710 may include a handle 712 having atip 714 and a biasing element. The handle 712 projects downwardly fromthe peripheral side flange 110 of the lid 102 and terminates with thetip 714. Located on the distal part of the handle 712 relative to thelid 102, tip 714 projects generally parallel to a plane defined by thelid 102 and towards the center of the lid 102. In such configuration,the biasing element biases the handle 712 and tip 714 towards the centerof the lid 102. In an embodiment, the locking of the cover system 100can be locked and unlocked with at least one of physical, electrical,biometrics, or a combination thereof. For example, a key fab can providea digital signature wirelessly to the cover system 100 in which adigital lock can receive such digital signature for unlocking orlocking.

The cover system 100 is locked to the tank 300 by the action of thebiasing element that urges and engages the tip 714 of the locking means710 into a corresponding aperture 716 located on the peripheral sidewall302 of the tank 300. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment aforce must be applied to the handle 712 in a direction opposed to theforce exerted by the biasing element so as to disengage the tip 714 fromthe aperture 716 of the peripheral wall 302 of the tank 300 andaccordingly unlock the cover system 100 from the tank 300. The coversystem 100 may then be pivoted away from the tank 300 in order to accessthe close space 306. To lock the cover system 100 back to the tank 300,a force may be applied to the handle 712 in a direction opposed to theforce exerted by the biasing element, the cover system 100 can bepivoted towards the tank 300, the tip 714 can align with the aperture716, and then the force applied to the handle 712 in a direction opposedto the force exerted by the biasing element is release in order for the714 tip to engage with and be maintained in the aperture 716 by theaction of the biasing element.

In one embodiment, the biasing element may be made of an elasticallyresilient material, such as a polymer, and may further comprise a coilspring or any other means known in the art.

While in the embodiments previously disclosed the cover system 100 andthe lid 102 may have a round, oval, and/or curved shape, it will beappreciated by the skilled addressee that in other embodiments, thecover system 100 and the lid 102 may have any other suitable size orshape.

It will be further appreciated that the lid 102 of the cover system 100may be made of a material selected from a group comprising polymer,plastic, metal, fiberglass and/or any other suitable material known inthe art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the lid 102 of the coversystem 100 may be manufactured by various techniques selected from agroup consisting of injection molding, 3D printing, CNC machining,welding, or any other suitable manufacturing technique known in the art.

The wireless remote monitoring system 104 may comprise any number ofcommunication port(s) adapted for connecting components, devices,add-ons, and/or the like (e.g. batteries, antenna, etc.) to the wirelessremote monitoring system 104. Depending on the configuration of thecover system 100 and the tank 300, the components, devices, and/oradd-ons connected to the wireless remote monitoring system 104 may ormay not be necessarily physically located within the close space 306. Asdepicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8, the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 may comprise a communication port 802 a adaptedfor connecting to and communicating with a communication module card(e.g. a subscriber identification module (SIM) card), and acommunication port 802 b adapted for connecting to a cable 804 forenabling communication between the wireless remote monitoring system 104and the sensor 800, as it will become apparent.

In one embodiment of the cover system 100 where the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 is received into the recess space 122, such thatthe wireless remote monitoring system 104 may be partially or totallycovered by the bottom face 108 of the lid 102 (shown in to FIGS. 3 and4), the openings 124 a and 124 b located on the bottom face 108 of thelid 102 may provide access to the corresponding communication ports 802a and 802 b of the wireless remote monitoring system 104.

The cover system 100 may be further provided with at least one sensoradapted for sensing, monitoring, or accessing at least onecharacteristic or property of a contents contained in the tank 300 orany other container known in the art. In the case where the cover system100 is provided with such sensor, the sensor may be installed to thetank 300 or container. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 8, the cover system 100 may be provided with a sensor 800 adaptedfor sensing, monitoring, or accessing one or more parameters related toat least one of the tank 300, the contents of the tank 300, or theenvironment of the tank 300. For example, the sensor can detect, sense,or monitor a level or a quantity of a fluid 806 (e.g. a liquid or a gas)contained in the tank 300. The sensor 800 may rely, for example, onsound waves (e.g. ultrasound), electromagnetic radiations (e.g. infraredradiation) or any suitable technology or combination of technologies forsensing the level of the fluid 806 contained in the tank 300.

In one embodiment, the fluid 806 is at least one of fuel, diesel,propane, a gas, or oil.

While in the present embodiment the sensor 800 is adapted for sensing,monitoring, or accessing a level or a quantity of a fluid 806 containedin the tank 300, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments thecontent may be of solid form and the cover system 100 may therefore beprovided with a sensor adapted for sensing, monitoring, or accessing anycharacteristic or property, including a level or a quantity, of anysolid(s) contained in the tank 300.

In use, the sensor 800 senses the level of the fluid 806 contained inthe tank 300 and generates a representative level signal which istransmitted to the wireless remote monitoring system 104 of the coversystem 100 by the cable 804 operatively connecting the sensor 800 andthe wireless remote monitoring system 104. The wireless remotemonitoring system 104 generates, using the level signal received fromthe sensor 800, a corresponding transmission signal which is wirelesslytransmitted by the wireless remote monitoring system 104. It will beappreciated that the signal is then received by a processing device of athird party. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 is operatively connected to the processingdevice of the third party using at least one data network. The datanetwork may comprise at least one of a local area network, ametropolitan area network and a wide area network. In one embodiment thedata network comprises a wide area network and the wide area networkcomprises the Internet.

In one embodiment, the cover system 100 is provided without the cable804 and the sensor 800 and the wireless remote monitoring system 104communicate together wirelessly.

In another embodiment, the corresponding transmission signal istransmitted to a third party, which may use the information or telemetrydata of the corresponding second signal to schedule delivery of thefluid 806 to the tank 300 when the level of the fluid 806 in the tank300 reach a given level.

It will be appreciated that the cover system 100 may further comprise atleast one battery, not shown, operatively coupled to the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 and/or with the sensor 800 for powering same(s).The battery may be located within the close space 306 defined by the lid102, the peripheral sidewall 302 and the top portion 304 of the tank 300and may also be located with the wireless remote monitoring system 104or adjacent thereof.

In one embodiment, the battery is a rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment, the battery is a non-rechargeable battery whichmay be replaceable from the cover system 100. It will be appreciated bythe skilled addressee that in such case, the battery may be embedded orintegrated within the lid 102 and a corresponding opening, not shown,may be used to enable a user to access the battery.

The skilled addressee will appreciate that the cover system 100 mayprovide an increased service lifetime to the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104. In fact, the larger the batteries are for poweringmonitoring systems, including the wireless remote monitoring system 104,the longer is the service lifetime of the monitoring systems before arecharge or a replacement of the batteries is required. Indeed, thecover system 100 provides the structural support for affixing,fastening, or securing large and heavy batteries that may be housed orlocated inside the close space 306. Such large, bulky, and heavybatteries are generally difficult to affix, fasten, secure, or mountoutside to tanks, either atop or on the periphery thereof, byconventional means (e.g. by screwing, riveting, and welding a wirelessremote monitoring system directly to the tank).

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 8, the cover system 100 comprisesan optional solar panel 810 operatively coupled to the battery and/orthe wireless remote monitoring system 104 for recharging and/or poweringsame(s), respectively. The optional solar panel 810 may be located onthe top face 106 of the lid 102 of the cover system 100; alternatively,the optional solar panel 810 may be movable and located in a remotelocation from the lid 102 in order for the optional solar panel 810 tobe optimally exposed to the sun.

In an embodiment, the cover system 100 can include a heating elementcomponent for the lid 102 to facilitate removal of snow or ice on atleast the top face 106 of the lid 102. For example, the heating elementcomponent can consume power from a battery to prevent ice or snowaccumulation on or around the lid 102 as well as a lock associated withthe lid 102.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 23, a system 900 illustrates the tank 300 withthe cover system 100 coupled thereto. The tank 300 can be configured tohold a volume. The tank 300 can be generally cylindrical in shape havinga top end 902, a bottom end 904 opposite thereto, and a sidewall 906that couples the top end 902 with the bottom end 904. In one embodiment,a first dome and a second dome are welded together to a sidewall to formthe tank 300. The tank 300 can further include a top collar 908 on thetop end 902 and a bottom ring 910 on the bottom end 904, wherein bottomring 910 provides a platform or stand for the tank 300 and the topcollar 908 provides protection surrounding valves, gauges, etc. amongother benefits. The top end 902 can include one or more eyelets or hooks912 to facilitate movement or transportation of the tank 300. The tank300 can be cylindrical in shape with a length, a diameter, and athickness. By way of example and not limitation, the top collar 908 canhave a diameter of approximately sixteen (16) inches but be within therange of ten (10) inches to eighteen (18) inches. Yet, it is to beappreciated that the tank 300 shape, materials, composition, or size canbe chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from theintended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.In an embodiment, the tank 300 can be oriented vertically with thebottom end 904 on the ground and the top end 902 in the air. In anotherembodiment, the tank 300 can be oriented horizontally and having a topcollar on a top of the sidewall which is opposite to a bottom sidewallthat is generally parallel with the ground. It is to be appreciated thatthis subject innovation can be utilized for either horizontal orvertical orientation of the tank 300.

The tank 300 can include one or more liners of a material. For instance,the tank 300 can include a liner made of a first material. In certainembodiments, the first material is at least one of a plastic, a metal, asteel, a thermoplastic, a polymer, Pinnacle Polymers Polypropylene4220H, Polypropylene, ABS, among others. In certain embodiments, thetank 300 can include a wrapping of a second material. In certainembodiments, the second material is at least one of a carbon fiber, acomposite material, a Teflon, or a disparate material from the firstmaterial. In certain embodiments, the tank 300 is made of at least oneof a metal, a plastic, a polymer, or a composite material.

In an embodiment, the tank 300 can include a closed end on the bottomend 904 and one or more open ends opposite thereto (e.g., on the top end902), wherein the open end is integrated with at least one of a fillvalve 2302, a pressure relief valve 2304, a valve 2306, a regulator(coupled to the valve 2306), a gauge 2308, among others. For instance,the valve can be a two-way valve that allows material to enter the tank300 and also allow the material to exit the tank 300. It is to beappreciated that the open end on the tank 300 can be configured toreceive material that is stored in the tank 300 and/or configured todispense material that is stored in the tank 300, wherein thedispensing/receiving is with a component such as a valve, port, and thelike. In another embodiment, the tank 300 can include a valve and apressure relief valve, wherein the pressure relief valve can beconfigured to release pressure from the tank 300 based on a parametersuch as a pressure level, a safety event, a computer instruction torelease the material in the tank 300, among others. It is to beappreciated that the tank 300 can be fluidly coupled to a home or aportion of a home to provide contents within the tank 300 via one ormore valves, regulators, tubing, piping, etc.

Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the tank 300 can include one ormore chambers within to house one or more materials or materials thatare designated for particular locations, units, or houses. For example,a tank 300 can be segmented to have a first chamber that houses a firstmaterial filled/dispensed with a first valve on the top end and a secondchamber that houses a second material filled/dispensed with a secondvalve on a bottom end opposite to the top end.

It is to be appreciated that the tank 300 can house a portion of amaterial, wherein the material can be a solid, a gas, a liquid, aplasma, among others. By way of example and not limitation, the materialcan be an alternative fuel. In still another example that is notlimiting on the subject innovation, the material can be a material at ahigh pressure in comparison to an atmospheric pressure.

In still another example, one or more tank 300 can be used to storematerial for use with a fuel system for a vehicle or home. For example,in addition to compressed natural gas, the tank 300 can be utilized witha fuel system or propane system for a home that utilizes or consumesmaterial such as renewable fuel sources, non-renewable fuel sources,liquid fuel sources, or gas fuel sources for a vehicle or home, whereinthe tank 300 can store such renewable fuel sources, non-renewable fuelsources, liquid fuel sources, or gas fuel sources. Renewable fuelsources can include biofuels such as vegetable oil, ethanol, methanol,butanol, other bio-alcohols, biomass, or biodiesel, among others.Renewable fuel sources can also include hydrogen and/or hydrogen fuelcells, refuse-derived fuel, chemically stored fuel, non-fossil methane,non-fossil natural gas, Ammonia, Formic acid, liquid Nitrogen,compressed air, or propane derived from renewable methods, among others.Non-renewable fuel source can include gasoline, propane, or diesel,among others. Additional liquid or gas fuel sources can include anymixture or blend of energy sources, for example, E10, E15, E30, or E85fuel, or HCNG (blend of compressed natural gas with Hydrogen). It is beappreciated that the tank 300 can house a material chosen with soundengineering judgment without departing from the intended scope ofcoverage of the embodiments of the subject invention and such materialcan be used for a fuel system of a vehicle, a machine, a device, a home,or any combination thereof.

The lid 102 includes the periphery 112 that can releasably couple to atop portion of the top collar 908. In particular, the lid 102 caninclude a diameter 920 that allows the lid 102 to fit or mate with aperiphery 916 of the top collar 908. In an embodiment, the diameter 920of the lid 102 can be greater than the diameter of the top collar 908 toallow for an overhang of the lid 102 over the top collar 908. In anotherembodiment, the diameter 920 of the lid 102 can be smaller than thediameter of the top collar 908. In still another embodiment, thediameter 920 of the lid 102 can be substantially similar to the diameterof the top collar 908. It is to be appreciated that the diameter 920 ofthe lid 102 can be chosen with sound engineering without departing fromthe scope of the subject innovation and such diameter 920 and otherdimensions of the lid 102 (e.g., height, thickness, etc.) are intendedto be within the scope of this subject innovation. Further, theperiphery 112 of the lid 102 can mate or be in contact with theperiphery 916 of the top collar 908.

The periphery 916 can define a plane to which the lid 102 is positionedor situated upon to protect and cover the top portion of the tank 300and elements defined within the top collar 908. The top collar 908 caninclude a height 914, wherein the wireless remote monitoring system 104can be positioned above such height 914 to facilitate wirelesscommunications to and from. In particular, the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 can be positioned above the plane corresponding tothe periphery 916 so as to remove any interference with the top collar908 of the wireless signals to and from. In particular, the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 or a portion related to wirelesscommunications (e.g., antenna, RFID, receiver, transmitter, etc.) can besituated at a location above the plane defined by the periphery 916 ofthe top collar 908. In an embodiment, the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 or a portion related to wireless communications (e.g.,antenna, RFID, receiver, transmitter, etc.) can be situated flush withthe plane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar 908. In anotherembodiment, the wireless remote monitoring system 104 or a portionrelated to wireless communications (e.g., antenna, RFID, receiver,transmitter, etc.) can be situated 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches above theplane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar 908. In aparticular embodiment, the wireless remote monitoring system 104 or aportion related to wireless communications (e.g., antenna, RFID,receiver, transmitter, etc.) can be situated at a location that is notabove at least one of the valve 2306, the regulator, the valve 2306coupled to the regulator, or a combination thereof. In a particularembodiment, the lid 102 can have the height 918 of 2.7 inches. Inanother particular embodiment, the lid 102 can have the height 918 of 4inches.

In an example, the lid 102 can have a height 918 of approximately two(2) inches to five (5) inches, wherein the thickness of the lid 102 canbe approximately 0.06 inches to 0.16 inches. It is to be appreciatedthat the thickness or height of the lid 102 can be chosen with soundengineering without departing from the scope of the subject innovationand such height and thickness a of the lid 102 outside these ranges areintended to be within the scope of this subject innovation.

Turning to FIGS. 10-17, 21, and 22 the cover system 100 is illustrated.The cover system 100 can include a lid 102 that includes a top face 106,a bottom face 108, and a peripheral side flange 110 extending on aperiphery 112 of the lid 102, on the bottom face 108 thereof asdescribed in FIGS. 1-8. As discussed, the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 can be affixed or releasably coupled to a portion of the lid102 such as, but not limited to, the top face 106, the bottom face 108,the peripheral side flange 110, or a combination thereof.

The lid 102 can further include one or more channels 1002 on the topface 106 of the lid 102. The one or more channels 1002 can be configuredto be indents into the top face 106 of the lid 102. In an embodiment,the wireless remote monitoring system 104 can be affixed or releasablycoupled to the bottom face 108 of the lid 102 such that the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 is not on or overlap with the one or morechannels 1002. It is to be appreciated that the one or more channels1002 can be positioned or located in a suitable pattern or have a depthfor indent as chosen by one of sound engineering judgement and such areto be included within the scope of the subject innovation.

The lid 102 can include a handle grip 1004 that facilitates opening andclosing the lid 102 onto the tank 300. The handle grip 1004 can includea recess to allow a portion of a hand to grip so a force can be appliedto move the lid 102 through a path of movement defined by the hinge 702.It is to be appreciated that the handle grip 1004 can be positioned on alocation on lid 102 such as the outside of the peripheral side flange110. In a particular embodiment, the handle grip 1004 is positionedopposite to the hinge 702 on the peripheral side flange 110.

The lid 102 can further include a latch 1006 that facilitatesmaintaining the lid 102 in a closed state. The latch 1006 can be affixedto the periphery side flange 110 on the lid 102 and can mate or attachto a location on the tank 300 and in particular, the top collar 908. Inan embodiment, the latch 1006 can include a lock that allows forsecuring access to the components within the top collar 908.

The wireless remote monitoring system 104 can be a housing 1502 that canbe affixed to a portion of the lid 102. It is to be appreciated that thehousing 1502 can be affixed permanently or releasably affixed to aportion of the lid 102. Such attachment can be, but is not limited to, aglue, a screw, a male/female mating connection, a weld, a plastic heatweld, an adhesive, use of magnets, a snap and clip mechanism, amongothers. The housing 1502 can include a top, a bottom, a left side, aright side, a front, and a back, wherein the housing 1502 can have alength, width, height, and a thickness. The housing can be, but is notlimited to a rectangle shape. The housing 1502 can be a geometric shapethat can be configured to be contained within the lid 102 or on aportion of the lid 102, wherein the geometric shape can be, but notlimited to, circular, oval, round, square, pentagon, rectangle, hexagon,polygon, triangle, among others. The housing 1502 can be furtherfabricated from a material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic,aluminum, a polymer, a composite material (e.g., a combination of metalwith plastic, etc.), chrome, nickel, among others. It is to beappreciated that fabricating the housing 1502 can be performed by anysuitable technique having a shape and a material and such can be chosenwith sound engineering judgment without departing from the intendedscope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject innovation. Forexample, the forming of housing 1502 can be from injection moldinghaving a shape made from plastic or by use of three-dimensionalprinting. In still another example, the housing 1502 can be made frommetal with a shape.

The housing 1502 can include one or more components to facilitategathering data from the sensor 800 and communicating such datawirelessly. For example, the housing 1502 can include a printed circuitboard (PCB), a battery, an antenna, etc. It is to be appreciated thatthe cover system 100 can include one or more housings 1502 to house oneor more components for the cover system 100 (e.g., memory, processor,receiver, transmitter, electrical connectors or wires, sensor, amongothers). In an embodiment, the housing 1502 is sealed to be waterproof.

In a particular embodiment, the housing 1502 can include a surfacemounted antenna that can be mounted on at least one of the top face 106,the bottom face 108, the inside of the peripheral side flange 110, theoutside of the peripheral side flange 110, a location on or in the griphandle 1004, a location on or in the hinge 702, or a combinationthereof. The housing 1502 can further include one or more couplings orconnectors 1602 to wire to components or sensors 800 for the coversystem 100 and in turn, the tank 300. In an embodiment, the housing 1502can include one or more hooks or brackets to secure couplings orconnectors 1602 to a portion of the lid 102.

The housing 1502 can include a first indent 1808 on a left side and asecond indent 1810 on a right side, wherein such indents (first indent1808 and second indent 1810) are configured facilitate attachment to thelid 102 (discussed in more detail below).

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the cover system 100 that includesthe height 918 larger to afford more interior space within the space114. As discussed, the height 918 of the lid 102 can be selected withsound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of thesubject innovation.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an embodiment to releasably attach the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 to the bottom face 108 of the lid 102. Inparticular, one or more components of the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 can be included within the housing 1502. As discussed, thehousing 1502 can include the first indent 1808 on the left side of thehousing 1502 and the second indent 1810 on the right side of the housing1502. The first indent 1808 and the second indent 1810 can be configuredto have dimensions that allow insertion onto a bracket 1802. The bracket1802 can include a first arm 1804 and a second arm 1806. It is to beappreciated that the dimensions of the first arm 1804 and the second arm1806 can correspond with the first indent 1808 and the second indent1810. For example, the second arm 1806 can have a height 1812 and awidth 1814 that corresponds with a height and a width 1816 of the secondindent 1808 such that the second arm 1806 fits into the second indent1808 and allows mating with a bias member 1902. It is to be appreciatedthat the first arm 1804 can have a height and a width that correspondsto a height and a width of the first indent 1810 such that the first arm1804 fits into the first indent 1810 and allows mating with a biasmember 1904 on the corresponding side. The bias members 1902 and 1904can include a ramp and raised portion such that the ramp portion allowsfor facilitated movement through the corresponding arm and the raisedportion can secure movement by contacting the arm. The arms, indents,and bias members, are configured to provide a slide and snap attachmentof the housing 1502 to the bracket 1802 as well as allowing removal ofthe housing 1502 from the bracket 1802 by depressing the bias members(in particular the ramp and raised portion) and sliding to align thearms with the indents. It is to be appreciated that the bracket 1802 canbe permanently or removably attached to the bottom face 108 of the lid102 as described in the subject innovation.

FIG. 24 illustrates embodiments of cover systems in accordance with thesubject innovation. As discussed above, the lid 102 can include the topface 106, wherein the top face 106 can include various contours,indents, channels, patterns, or topography. In particular, the coversystem 2402 can include the top face that is substantially flatcomparative to a plane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar908. The cover system 2404 can include a ramp contour with a slopecomparative to a plane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar908. The cover system 2406 can include a first level on a second level,wherein the first level is above the second level and the second levelis above the plane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar 908.The cover system 2408 includes a portion of the top face 106 raisedcomparative to a plane defined by the periphery 916 of the top collar908.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cover system 2500 that includes the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 on the top face 106 of the lid 102. Thewireless remote monitoring system 104 can include a housing that mateswith and incorporates into the lid 102.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cover system 2600 that includes the wirelessremote monitoring system 104 on the bottom face 108 of the lid 102. Thewireless remote monitoring system 104 can include a housing that couplesto the bottom face 108 of the lid and can include a housing thatprotects an antenna, a PCB, one or more batteries, among others.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a system 2700 that facilitates trackingone or more parameters for a tank 300 and/or a contents of the tank 300.The system 2700 can include a monitor component 2702 that is configuredto communicate with wireless remote monitoring system 104 in whichsignals can be transmitted from the monitor component 2702 to thewireless remote monitoring system 104 and signals can be received by themonitor component 2702 from the wireless remote monitoring system 104.The sensor 800 can be coupled to the tank 300 at a location inside thetank 300 or inside the tank 300, wherein the sensor 800 can transmit asignal packaged with a portion of data to the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104. The sensor 800 can be coupled, affixed, or releaseablycoupled to the tank 300 on a location such as, but not limited to, atop, a bottom, a sidewall, an inside wall, an outside wall, acombination thereof, among others. The sensor 800 is configured tocommunicate wirelessly or through a wired connection to the wirelessremote monitoring system 104. It is to be appreciated that the sensor800 can transmit and/or receive data wirelessly or wired with thewireless remote monitoring system 104. Moreover, it is to be appreciatedthat the wireless remote monitoring system 104 can transmit and/orreceive data wirelessly or wired with the monitor component 2702.Additionally, the monitor component 102 can communicate with thewireless remote monitoring system 104 and/or the sensor 800 in a wiredtechnique, a wireless technique, or a combination thereof.

It is to be appreciated that the system 2700 can include one or morewireless remote monitoring system 104, wherein each wireless remotemonitoring system can be at a geographic location and that the one ormore wireless remote monitoring system 104 can receive data from and/ortransmit data to one or more sensors coupled to respective tanks.Moreover, each location can include a respective monitor component 2702to ascertain a condition or parameter of the tank 300 and/or a conditionor parameter of the contents in the tank 300.

The wireless remote monitoring system 104 can receive a first package ofdata from the sensor 800, wherein the first package of data can includea unique universal identification (UUID) of the tank 300 as well as datarelated to modules of the sensor 800. The sensor 800 can include modulesthat allow detection of an amount of movement of or impact to the tank300, a temperature of the tank 300 or the temperature of an environmentthe tank 300 is located, an amount of contents dispensed from the tank300 or an amount of contents filled into the tank 300, a batteryparameter (e.g., heath of battery, battery life, battery duration of useor activity, etc.) for the wireless remote monitoring system 104, a lidposition of the lid 102 (e.g., open, closed, or a position in betweenopen and closed), a duration of time the lid 102 is open, a volume levelof the contents of the tank 300, a period of time between the lid 102being opened, among others. It is to be appreciated that the sensor 800can include a module that is configured to detect a parameter related tothe tank 300 or the contents of the tank 300 to improve quality orcondition of at least one of the tank 300 or the contents of the tank300.

The wireless remote monitoring system 104 can be placed on the lid 102at a geographic location and the wireless remote monitoring system 104can include a unique universal identification (UUID). Data iscommunicated from the sensor 800 to the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 and can be referred to as a first data package. The firstdata package can include the UUID of the sensor 800 and data from themodules of the sensor 800 (e.g., readings, numerical information, etc.).The wireless remote monitoring system 104 can receive the first packagedata and can communicate a second data package to the monitor component2702, wherein the second data package can include at least the contentsof the first data package, a UUID of the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 (also referred to as ID), a timestamp, or a combinationthereof. The wireless remote monitoring system 104 can be configured totransmit data to the monitor component 2702 on a periodic basis whichcan be a predefined period of time, a manually set period of time, or acombination thereof.

The monitor component 2702 can be configured to receive the second datapackage and utilize such information to identify a geographic locationof the tank 300 as well as a condition of the tank 300 or a condition ofthe contents of the tank 300. The geographic location of the tank 300can be identified based on the monitor component 2702 evaluating atleast the UUID of the wireless remote monitoring system, the timestamp,the UUID of the sensor, and which tank that sensor having the UUIDcorresponds. Based on the geographic location of the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 and the timestamp at which data is received fromthe sensor 800, the tank location can be determined and parametersthereof can be evaluated and tracked. In an embodiment, a smartphone orelectronic device can be used to receive/transmit data (e.g., the firstdata package, the second data package, or a combination thereof)wirelessly and communicate such data to the monitor component viacellular networks or a Wi-Fi network. In another embodiment, asmartphone or electronic device can be the monitor component 2702 andcommunicate data to a network or server in real time or after beingwithin a designated Wi-Fi location or network.

By way of example and not limitation, at least one of the first packageof data or the second package of data can further include data relatedto the contents of the tank 300 such as a name, an owner, a geographiclocation, a service record, a history of personal that have serviced thetank 300, the repairs related to the tank 300, a manufacture date of thetank 300, a type of contents, customized notes from servicing the tank300, or a combination thereof. It is to be appreciated that the firstpackage of data or the second package of data can be created or appendedwith data based on information collected from the sensor 800, thewireless remote monitoring system 104, or the monitor component 2702. Instill another embodiment, the first package of data or the secondpackage of data can be communicate to or updated by a device through adirect communication.

In another embodiment, the system 2700 can include a first set ofgateway devices and a second set of gateway devices, wherein the firstset of gateway devices are controlled by a first monitor component andthe second set of gateway devices are controlled by a second monitorcomponent. In such embodiment, the first monitor component can bemanaged by the manufacturer of the tank and the second monitor componentcan be managed by the service entity that repairs the tank or fills thecontents of the thank for the end user.

In an embodiment, the sensor 800 can be situated on a bottom of the tank300 to collect data related to a weight of the tank 300. The datarelated to a weight of the tank 300 can be utilized by the system 2700to identify a fill level of the tank 300 (e.g., empty, low, full, anamount between empty and full). Upon a detection of a weight that meetsor approaches a predefined or defined threshold, the monitor component2702 can communicate a notification that the tank 300 is low on contentsand/or request an order for another tank 300. It is to be appreciatedthat the detection of an empty or low tank 300 can trigger at least oneof a notification to an entity to service or fill the tank 300. Further,in an example, the sensor 800 can be a hall effect sensor to detect avolume in the tank 300.

FIG. 28 illustrates the sensor 800. The sensor 800 can include a BTmodule 2802 that is configured to wirelessly transmit and/or receivedata. The BT module 2802 can include a receiver 2804 and a transmitter2806. It is to be appreciated that the sensor 800 can utilize a wirelesstechnology to transmit and/or receive data and such wireless technologycan be Bluetooth® low energy (BTLE), Bluetooth low power, or a wirelesscommunication technology selected with sound engineering judgmentwithout departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example andnot limitation, the wireless communication used with the subjectinnovation can be Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi), ZigBee, Z-Wave, Near Field Communications (NFC),WiMAX, LTE, HSPA, EV-DO, 3G, 4G, satellite, radio, cellular, Infrared(IR), among others. It is to be appreciated that any antenna can beincluded with the BT module 2802 to receive or send data.

The sensor 800 can include at least a volume module 2808, a locationmodule 2810, a flow module 2812, a batter module 2814, a temperaturemodule 2815, a shock module 2816, a lid module 2817, a memory 2818, anda processor 2820. The sensor 800 can further include a battery or apower source.

The volume module 2808 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to detect a volume of the contents of the tank 300. Thevolume module 2808 can track volume of the tank and the history of thelevels of contents within the tank for a historic record. Based on theidentified level or volume of the tank 300, the volume module 2808 cancommunicate to the monitor component 2702 in which such amount can beevaluated to determine if the level of the tank 300 is within a rangethat requires refill.

The location module 2810 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to collect geographic positioning data of the tank 300 toallow calculation of the tank 300 location or movement thereof. Thelocation module 2810 can utilize global positioning system (GPS)techniques to calculate the geographic location of the sensor 800 and inturn, the tank 300. Further, the location module 2810 can include arange of change for coordinates which would allow detection of movementthat is not desired or wanted.

The flow module 2812 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to collect data related to flow rate of contents into and outof the tank 300. The rate of flow into the tank 300 can be aggregated toensure safe fill rates for the tank 300. In addition, the rate of flowout of the tank 300 can be detected to ensure the safe exit of contentsfrom the tank 300 as well as facilitate detection of leaks. The flowmodule 2812 can be utilized to ascertain an amount of contents dispensedfrom the tank 300 and/or a rate of flow from the tank 300. The flowmodule 2812 can collect such data and the sensor 800 can communicate thedata to the monitor component 2702 (e.g., directly as discussed below orindirectly via the wireless remote monitoring system 104). Based on thereceived data, the monitor component 2702 can be configured tocommunicate an alert or notification which would allow a repair, aservice, or a replenishment of the contents in the tank 300.

It is to be appreciated that the flow module 2812 can further detect thepressure in the tank 300. Based on a type of contents of the tank 300,the flow module 2812 can include a range or a threshold of acceptablereadings for pressure to which the monitor component 2702 can receiveand provide notifications or evaluation. In particular, if a thresholdis met or exceeded or a reading of pressure is not in a range, the flowmodule 2812 can communicate to the monitor component 2702 (e.g.,directly as discussed below or indirectly via the wireless remotemonitoring system 104), and the monitor component 2702 can notify oralert of a repair or adjustment to the tank 300 or the line, tubing,conduit, piping, valves, etc. In an embodiment, if the flow module 2812detects the pressure of the tank below a predefined pressure within theline, the monitor component 2702 can receive a reading and determinethat such predefined pressure indicates a range of approved pressureswith the tank 300 or non-approved pressures the tank 300.

The battery module 2814 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to detect battery life or health of a battery.

The temperature module 2815 can include one or more components that canbe configured to detect a temperature for at least one of a contentsinside the tank 300, an exterior surface of the tank 300, or anenvironment in which the tank 300 is located. The temperature module2815 can include one or more sensing components to aggregate datarelated to the temperature and store such information prior totransmission to the wireless remote monitoring system 104 or otherdevice (in direct data transfer modes discussed below). The temperaturesensing components can be located in at least one of an inside of thetank 300, on an exterior of the tank 300, on an exterior of the tank 300but having one or more posts that penetrate inside the tank 300,detached from the tank 300 to gather environment temperature, detachedfrom the tank 300 but in electronic communication with the tank 300 togather environment temperature, a combination thereof, among others.

The shock module 2816 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to detect or track an amount of impact taken (e.g., shock orforce) to the tank 300. A force on the tank 300 can affect a quality ofcontents and/or a quality of the tank 300. In particular, the tank 300can include a threshold for the amount of impact or force that istolerable for the tank. For example, the tank 300 can have a thresholdfor an amount of force on the tank 300 and if such threshold is met orexceeded, the tank 300 can be replaced or repaired. In another example,if a force (e.g., amount and intensity) for a period of time is met, thetank 300 may require repair or replacement. Such data can becommunicated to the monitor component 2702 as discussed above, and suchinformation can be utilized to at least one of retire the tank 300,repair the tank 300, notify use of the tank 300 should be delayed ordenied, among others. It is to be appreciated that the monitor component2702 can leverage stress tests or other experiments on the tank 300 inorder to identify the threshold or thresholds for at least one of therepair, retire, or deny or delay use. In another embodiment, the shockmodule 2816 can track data related to the force or impact duringservicing (e.g., repair or filling) of the tank 300 to evaluate serviceemployees (e.g., gentle or rough delivery people). The monitor component2702 can be configured to identify which tanks 300 were serviced bywhich people and the shock module data can be correlated to such data,wherein rankings or warnings can be provided to employees.

The lid module 2817 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to detect or track a position of the lid 102 of the coversystem coupled to the tank 300. The lid module 2817 can detect when thelid 102 is open and closed during servicing or any other time tofacilitate monitoring efficiency or tampering with the tank 300. Inparticular, the tank 300 can include a threshold for the amount of timea lid should be opened for servicing or refilling and if that thresholdis exceeded, the monitor component 2702 can trigger an alert ornotification.

The cover system can further include a display module can include one ormore components that can be configured to display or convey data. By wayof example, the display module can be an LED, a dot matrix screen, anLCD, a plasma screen, a speaker, a display, a combination thereof, amongothers. The display module can communicate data (e.g., audibly,visually, haptic feedback, a combination thereof) related to the one ormore modules of the sensor 800. For example, if the shock module 2816detects a force greater than a threshold, the display module canindicate the tank 300 should be rested (e.g., delayed on use) or evenrepaired or returned. In another example, the display module cancommunicate an audible alarm upon approach of a threshold related to thetemperature module 2815, shock module 2816, flow module 2812, amongothers. The display module can display images, letters, color, black andwhite, characters, numbers, graphics, among others. The display modulecan further communicate audibly with a speaker for example. In anotherembodiment, the display module can output a haptic feedback.

In another embodiment, the sensor 800 can directly communicate data to adevice (e.g., laptop, smartphone, tablet, mobile device, personalcomputer, portable digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device, amongothers). For example, the sensor 800 can include a diagnostic and/ordata transfer mode in which, upon authentication, the sensor 800 candirectly communicate with a device in addition to, or instead of thewireless remote monitoring system 104. For example, a device can beauthenticated by the monitor component 2702 by employing anauthentication code that can be then communicated by the device to themonitor component 2702. Once a device is verified and authenticated, thedevice can be configured to receive data from the sensor or the wirelessremote monitoring system such as, but not limited to, the first datapackage or the second data package.

FIG. 29 illustrates a system 300 that illustrates the monitor component2702 receiving data from one or more locations. In particular, themonitor component 2702 can be a server or a cloud computing platformthat communicates with a number of locations, wherein each location hasa one or more sensors. Moreover, each location can include one or morewireless remote monitoring systems.

For example, a first location 2902 can include wireless remotemonitoring system1 that communicates with a number of sensors such assensor1 to sensorN, where N is a positive integer. A second location2904 can include wireless remote monitoring system2 that communicateswith a number of sensors such as sensor1 to sensorM, where M is apositive integer. An X location 2906 can include wireless remotemonitoring system3 that communicates with a number of sensors such assensor1 to sensorO, where O is a positive integer. As illustrated therecan be a number of locations such as the first location to the Xlocation, where X is a positive integer. The number of sensors at eachlocation can vary due to the number of sensors corresponding to a numberof tanks at each location and such number of tanks is changing due toinstallation, repair, or new construction. The monitor component 2702can receive data from each location to determine location of each tank,condition of each tank, and/or a condition of the contents of each tank.

FIG. 30 illustrates a system 3000 in which data communications betweenthe monitor component 2702, the wireless remote monitoring system 104,and/or the sensor 800 to facilitate identifying a geographic location ofa tank and facilitate identifying a condition or parameter of the tankor contents. For instance, the sensor 800 and the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 can include a first data communications thatincludes data such as, but not limited to, the UUID of the sensor anddata aggregated from modules of the sensor 800 (also referred to asfirst data package) in an upstream of data (e.g., from the sensor 800 tothe wireless remote monitoring system 104). The wireless remotemonitoring system 104 can further communicate an upstream of data (e.g.,from the wireless remote monitoring system 104 to the monitor component2702) to the monitor component 2702 that includes the first package ofdata and the UUID of the wireless remote monitoring system and atimestamp (also referred to as second data package).

The monitor component 2702 can utilize a downstream of data (e.g., fromthe monitor component 2702 to the wireless remote monitoring system104). Between the wireless remote monitoring system 104 and the sensor800 there can be a downstream of data (e.g., from the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 to the sensor 800). For example, recalibrating orcalibrating the sensor 800 can require a data push down to the sensor800 from the monitor component 2702 directly, from the wireless remotemonitoring system 104, or a combination thereof. It is to be appreciatedthat “data up” is referenced in FIG. 30 and corresponds to “upstream ofdata” and “data down” is referenced in FIG. 30 and corresponds to“downstream of data.”

Turning to FIG. 31, a system 3100 is illustrated utilizing the monitorcomponent 2702. The monitor component 2702 includes one or moreprocessor(s) 3102 configured to execute computer-executable instructionssuch as instructions composing tank application 3104. Suchcomputer-executable instructions can be stored on one or morecomputer-readable media including a non-transitory, computer-readablestorage medium such as memory 3108 of monitor component 2702.

The monitor component 2702 includes a communication interface 3106. Asshown in FIG. 31, the communication interface 3106 can enable electroniccommunications with the wireless remote monitoring system 104. It is tobe appreciated that the communication interface 3106 can be a wired orwireless interface including, but not limited, a LAN cable, an Ethernetcable, a USB interface, a serial interface, a WiFi interface, ashort-range RF interface (Bluetooth), an infrared interface, anear-field communication (NFC) interface, etc.

The monitor component 2702 can further include a user interface 3110that comprises various elements to obtain user input and to convey useroutput. For instance, user interface 3110 can comprise a touch displaywhich operates as both an input device and an output device. Inaddition, user interface 3110 can also include various buttons,switches, keys, etc. by which a user can input information to monitorcomponent 2702, and other displays, LED indicators, etc. by which otherinformation can be output to the user.

In accordance with an embodiment, the monitor component 2702 is acomputing device, which can be hosted at a physical location. However,it is to be appreciated that the monitor component 2702 can be otherportable form-factors such as a laptop computer, a convertible laptop, acell phone, a PDA, a pocket computing device, a watch computing device,or the like. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the functionalitydescribed herein with respect to the monitor component 2702 can beperformed by a desktop computer, or other larger, less portablecomputing device. That is, tank application 3104 can be installed andexecuted on substantially any computing device provided that such acomputing device can communicate with the monitor component 2702 asdescribed herein.

It is to be appreciated that the monitor component 2702 can be a networkor a portion of a network, wherein the network is at least one of awebsite, a server, a computer, a cloud-service, a processor and memory,or a computing device connected to the Internet and connected to thewireless remote monitoring system 104. In general, the network can becoupled to one or more devices via wired or wireless connectivity inwhich data communications are enabled between the network and at leastone of a second network, a subnetwork of the network, or a combinationthereof. It is to be appreciated that any suitable number of networkscan be used with the subject innovation and data communication onnetworks can be selected by one of sound engineering judgment and/or oneskilled in the art.

FIG. 32 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of the tank application 3104 according to one or moreaspects. The tank application 3104 comprises computer-executableinstructions and computer-readable data stored on memory 3108 of themonitor component 2702. The computer-executable instructions of tankapplication 3104 are executable by processor 3102 of the monitorcomponent 2702.

As shown in FIG. 32, the tank application 3104 can include one or moremodules (e.g., settings module 3202, lock module 3204, alert module3206, among others) and data 3218 stored on a data store 3203 thatstores data 3218 (e.g., tank data, wireless remote monitoring systemdata, sensor data, timestamp data, among others). It is to beappreciated that tank data can be, but is not limited to, data relatedto the condition of the tank, data related to the contents of the tank,data regarding the ownership or type of tank data, data transmitted froma tank, data transmitted to a tank, among others. It is to beappreciated that wireless remote monitoring system data can be, but isnot limited to, data related to a location of the wireless remotemonitoring system, data collected from the wireless remote monitoringsystem, data transmitted to the wireless remote monitoring system, amongothers. It is to be appreciated that the sensor data can be datacollected from a sensing or module (for example the modules described inFIG. 28), settings related to the sensor, UUID, data communicated fromthe sensor to the wireless remote monitoring system, among others. Theone or more modules can include computer-executable instructionsimplementing various features, processes, operations, etc. of the tankapplication 3104.

The settings module 3202 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to employ one or more configurations for the tank application3104. The settings module 3202 can be configured based upon a receivedinstruction. In an embodiment, the settings module 3202 can receiveand/or allow adjustment to a range or threshold associated with thesensor 800. In another embodiment, the settings module 3202 can receiveinstructions on notifications and/or alerts. In particular, if a rangeis not met for a sensor reading, an alert or notification can bedefined. In another example, if a threshold is meet, then an automatedresponse can be implemented. In still another example, the settingsmodule 3202 can be configured to enable the tank application 3104 tosend an alert or notification on a schedule or after a period of timefor any data collected or tracked. It is to be appreciated that thealert or notification can be a communication (e.g., email, text,automated call, instant message, messaging service, push notification,among others) to an administrator, a service company, a customer, apurchaser, owner of a tank, manufacturer of a tank, third-partyservicing a tank, third-party repair company, a combination thereof.

The lock module 3204 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to allow or deny flow of contents from the tank 300 based ona detected parameter or a received instruction. In an embodiment, a usercan communicate an instruction to deny delivery of contents from thetank 300 via a valve. The lock module 3204 can communicate with asolenoid valve or valve controlled via electronics that denies or allowsflow of contents. By way of example and not limitation, the flow ofcontents can be denied, allowed, or restricted based evaluation of datacollected from the sensor 800, a user generated instruction, a thresholdor range being met or not met for a parameter detected by the sensor800, a combination thereof, among others. In an example, a lock can bein electrical communication with a wireless remote monitoring system,wherein the wireless remote monitoring system can communicateinstructions to open or close the lock. The wireless remote monitoringsystem in such example can receive instructions from the tankapplication 3104, the monitor component 2702, and/or a device (viadirect communications as discussed).

The alert module 3206 can include one or more components that can beconfigured to communicate data or notifications. The alert module 3206can communicate data or notifications (e.g., visual alert, auditoryalert, haptic feedback, a combination thereof). The alert module 3206can communicate a text, a cellular call, a message, a picture message, agroup message, an email, an audible signal, a haptic feedback, a light,a post on a social media page, a post on a website, a communication ofdata to a device or a wearable device, an image, a portion of a graphic,a symbol, a character, a letter, a word, a combination thereof. Thealert module 3206 can be configured to communicate data based on athreshold or trigger corresponding to a sensor 800 data collected. Inanother embodiment, the alert module 3206 can be configured tocommunicate data based on an electronic instruction from the monitorcomponent 2702, the tank application 3104, or a device (in directcommunication based on authentication).

In an embodiment, the alert module 3206 can be configured to communicatea notification upon at least one of a detection of an empty or nearempty tank 300, volume of the tank 300, a repair request, a refillrequest, a payment due date, an expiration date, a force detected on thetank, an amount of pressure, a temperature, an amount in a container, aflow rate, a temperature change, among others. In an embodiment, suchnotifications can include geographic location data.

Although a single data store 3203 is illustrated, any suitable number ofdata stores can be used with the system. The number of data stores andthe organization where the data is stored there on can be selected withsound engineering judgment and/or by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject innovation.

It is to be appreciated that any component or module from the tankapplication 3104 can be a stand-alone component/module, a sub-component,a sub-module, an integrated component with another component, anintegrated module within another module, a system, a portion of a systemdescribed herein and/or a combination thereof. Thus, the functionalitydescribed for the tank application 3104 can be performed by any numberof the components or modules discussed.

FIG. 33 illustrates data being handled by the monitor component 2702(also can be referred to as a server), the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104, and the sensor 800. As illustrated, data from the sensor 800includes Universal Unique Identification (UUID) and data (e.g., datacollected from the sensor such as, but not limited to, flow data,pressure data, volume data, shock data, temperature data, flow data,among others). The UUID and data is communicated to the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 when in a range based on use of Bluetooth® lowenergy communication with the monitor component 2702. In an embodiment,the communication from the sensor 800 to the wireless remote monitoringsystem 104 is based on a time duration which can be adjusted to managebattery life of the sensor 800. The data communicated from the sensor800 to the wireless remote monitoring system 104 can also be referred toas a first data package. The wireless remote monitoring system 104 canbe configured to collect UUID and data from one or more sensors andinclude to the data a ID (identification) and a time stamp. This data iscommunicated from the gateway 104 to the monitor component 2702 (alsoreferred to as a server). The data communicated from the wireless remotemonitoring system 104 to the monitor component 2702 can also be referredto as a second data package. The monitor component 2702 can utilize thecollected data to analyze and provide insight on the tank 300, theenvironment of the tank 300, the contents of the tank, the repair orrefill of the tank, the location of the tank, volume of the tank 300,shock or impact to the tank 300, temperature of the tank 300, amongothers

In an embodiment, the sensor further detects at least one of an amountof force taken by the tank, a temperature of the tank, or a duration oftime for the lid in the closed state. In an embodiment, the housingincludes: a top, a bottom opposite thereto, a left side, a right side, afront, and a back; the left side includes a first indent and right sideincludes a second indent; and the left side includes a bias member andthe right side includes a bias member. In an embodiment, the coversystem can further include a bracket that is affixed to the bottom faceof the lid, the bracket includes a first arm that corresponds to thefirst indent in shape and a second arm corresponds to the second indentin shape to allow insertion of the housing between the arms and a slideand snap that couples the respective bias member against the respectivearms. In an embodiment, the cover system can further include anelectronic device that communicates with the transmitter and receiver tocollect data from the sensor or communicate data to the wireless remotemonitoring system

While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systemsand methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to beexemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of theseembodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The embodimentsand discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of thesesystems and methodologies by those of skill in the art.

The above examples are merely illustrative of several possibleembodiments of various aspects of the present innovation, whereinequivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilledin the art upon reading and understanding this specification and theannexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functionsperformed by the above described components (assemblies, devices,systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a“means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond,unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware,software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified functionof the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), eventhough not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure whichperforms the function in the illustrated implementations of theinnovation. In addition although a particular feature of the innovationmay have been disclosed with respect to only one of severalimplementations, such feature may be combined with one or more otherfeatures of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageousfor any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that theterms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, suchterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising.”

This written description uses examples to disclose the innovation,including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to practice the innovation, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the innovation is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that are not different from the literal language of the claims,or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number ofterms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a” “an” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout thespecification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitativerepresentation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precisevalue specified. In some instances, the approximating language maycorrespond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms“first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, butrather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish oneelement from another.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility ofan occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specifiedproperty, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb byexpressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibilityassociated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “maybe” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable,or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while takinginto account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimesnot be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in somecircumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in othercircumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction iscaptured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

The best mode for carrying out the innovation has been described forpurposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at thetime and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice theinnovation, including making and using devices or systems and performingincorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meantto limit the innovation, as measured by the scope and merit of theclaims. The innovation has been described with reference to preferredand alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations willoccur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification.It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofaras they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof. The patentable scope of the innovation is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdifferentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover system for a tank, comprising: a lidhaving a shape that includes a top face, a bottom face opposite the topface, and a peripheral side flange extending on a periphery of the lidon the bottom face thereof; the lid includes a latch on a location onthe peripheral side flange and a lid hinge member opposite to thelocation of the latch; the lid is a mountable on a periphery of a topcollar of a tank, wherein the lid attaches to the top collar of the tankwith the lid hinge member attaching to a corresponding hinge on the topcollar; the lid hinge member mating with the hinge enables an open statefor the lid on the tank and a closed state for the tank, wherein theclosed state protects at least one of a valve, a gauge, or a pressurerelief valve positioned on a top end of the tank within the top collar;a wireless remote monitoring system contained within a housing, thehousing releaseably coupled to the bottom face of the lid, the wirelessremote monitoring system further includes: a sensor coupled to the tankor within the tank, the sensor detects at least one of a volume ofcontents within the tank, a geographic location of the tank, a durationof time for the lid in the open state, and a flow in and out of thetank; the sensor further detects at least one of an amount of forcetaken by the tank, a temperature of the tank, or a duration of time forthe lid in the closed state; a transmitter that wirelessly communicatesthe volume of contents within the tank, the geographic location of thetank, the duration of time for the lid in the open state, and the flowin and out of the tank; a receiver; a battery that powers at least oneof the sensor, the receiver, or the transmitter; and the housing ispositioned above a plane defined by the periphery of the top collar ofthe tank to facilitate wirelessly communicating to and from the coversystem.
 2. The cover system of claim 1, the housing includes: a top, abottom opposite thereto, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back;the left side includes a first indent and right side includes a secondindent; and the left side includes a bias member and the right sideincludes a bias member.
 3. The cover system of claim 2, furthercomprising a bracket that is affixed to the bottom face of the lid, thebracket includes a first arm that corresponds to the first indent inshape and a second arm corresponds to the second indent in shape toallow insertion of the housing between the arms and a slide and snapthat couples the respective bias member against the respective arms. 4.The cover system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic devicethat communicates with the transmitter and receiver to collect data fromthe sensor or communicate data to the wireless remote monitoring system.5. A cover system, comprising: a tank having a top end, a bottom endopposite the top, a sidewall in between the top end and the bottom end,the tank configured to hold a volume under a pressure; a sensor coupledto the tank, the sensor tracks a temperature of the tank, an amount offorce taken by the tank, a geographic location of the tank, and a volumeof the tank; a wireless remote monitoring system that wirelesslyreceives data from the sensor, the sensor communicates a first datapackage that includes the temperature, the amount of force, thegeographic location of the tank, and the volume of the tank; thewireless remote monitoring system creates a second data package thatincludes a time stamp of when the first data package was communicated,an identification of the wireless remote monitoring system, and thefirst data package; and a monitor component that is configured to:receive of the second data package; evaluate of the time stamp from thewireless remote monitoring system; monitor the temperature, the amountof force, the geographic location of the tank, and the volume of thetank; communicate data to the sensor via the wireless remote monitoringsystem; and communicate a notification if at least one of thetemperature, the amount of force, and the volume of the tank exceeds apredefined threshold.